CBS Atlanta 46NASCAR fans bring in big bucks

The AdvoCare 500 weekend is anticipated to bring more than 150,000 people to Hampton.

This is the first year that the AdvoCare 500 will be the first race of the year. The Atlanta Motor Speedway lost their NASCAR Spring Cup race in March to Kentucky. This will be the first time in 50 years the speedway hasn't hosted two races. Fans were disappointed that the speedway would only be filled once a year. But, the President and General Manager for the speedway, Ed Clark, said it is only adding to the excitement.

"It was tough losing that NASCAR race," said Clark. "But we feel this gives us the opportunity to focus more of our attention on this race. We look at this as much more than a race. We call this the biggest Labor Day party in the U.S.A. We want to grow this locally and nationally, and make this an event people want to attend."

Headlining this year's race is Lynyrd Skynyrd who is set to place Sunday at 5 p.m.

There will be three night races: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

"When you run at night under the lights you see things you don't see in the daytime," Clark said. "The reflection of the numbers off the cars, sparks when the cars bottom out, things like that make it much more exciting."

"We love Atlanta, and we love the night race," said Donnie Elliott. Elliott drove in from Alabama and said he plans to spend a lot of money in the area.

"We'll spend probably $1500 this weekend, camping spots are $500 for two spots, and we always get the $150 tickets that cover the three races," Elliott said.

A lot of fans told CBS Atlanta News they are seeing attendance go up because there is only one race.

"A lot of fans are still upset about losing that first race," said Butch Breneman. "But, I think, it has built everybody up to come out for the second one and have larger attendance than we've had in higher years. I know pretty much my whole family is coming, so when dad's paying the bill guess who is coming? Everyone."

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